Today's Verse - Philippians 2:9 (KJV)

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name...

—Philippians 2:9 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...​

For Jesus, the formula for saving grace was tough!
graciousness + faithfulness + sacrifice + suffering = True Glory

Yes, salvation's math doesn't make much human sense in our selfish, self-promoting world. However, from the perspective of faith, salvation's math is powerful wisdom. Jesus came to our world because of God's graciousness. Jesus was faithful and left heaven to face the hardships of humanity. The LORD was willing to sacrifice himself to serve all humanity, even though it required his suffering and humiliation on the cross. Because he faithfully lived salvation's math, the Father crowned the Son with all glory and honor, which has been rightfully his since before creation. The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage (Philippians 2:5-11) that God doesn't forget our sacrifices, hardships, persecutions, or service. He honors them with his pleasure and glory because people who choose this way walk the path of their LORD, Jesus, as they live with others.

My Prayer...​

Holy Father and LORD God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, my Savior and LORD. I surrender my heart and want to have no rival to the lordship of your Son in my life. I want to serve and bless his disciples as he served and blessed me. I want to live my life passionately, as I seek to reach the lost people of my world. Continue to mold my heart and mind to be more like Jesus. I pray this to honor him in thought, word, and deed. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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[The Encourager]

God, I ask You in Jesus' name to securely anchor me in Your Word so that I may come to know You better and trust You with all my heart. Bless me with the desire to read, listen, and meditate upon Your Word daily. Let me find myself praying, singing, and confessing Your Word over my life. Let Your Word live, breathe, move, and dwell richly within me. Let Your Word develop secure, deep roots within me that cannot wither and die. Let Your Word strengthen and encourage me. So that I will be able to stand and fight the good fight of faith. Let Your Word wash and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't please You. God give me the love, desire, creative ways, and the follow through to love spending time with You in Your Word. Let it become a daily habit of mind to spend time with You in Your Word. God all that I have asked of You in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of this prayer and all those I love and care about.